Thiruvananthapuram, 19 June (H.S.) :
The condition of the 43-year-old Nipah virus patient undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode remains critical, health officials said on Friday. The patient, who has been hospitalised for the past ten days, continues to be on ventilator support despite receiving intensive medical care.
Doctors are administering advanced treatment in accordance with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, including monoclonal antibody therapy. The treatment regimen also includes antiviral drugs such as Ribavirin and Remdesivir. The patient has been admitted to a dedicated isolation ward, where a team of specialists is closely monitoring his condition.
In a positive development, all individuals identified as close contacts of the patient have tested negative for the Nipah virus so far. Of the nine people who were under observation in hospital, six have already been discharged after completing the required monitoring period. The remaining three individuals are reported to be in good health and are expected to be discharged once their pending test results are received. No new Nipah cases have been reported in the state.
Meanwhile, Kerala is facing growing concern over the spread of Shigella and other communicable diseases. Health authorities confirmed 19 new Shigella infections on Thursday alone. The latest cases were reported from Kozhikode (9), Thrissur (3), Thiruvananthapuram (2), Kannur (2), and one case each from Kollam, Ernakulam and Malappuram.
Kozhikode and Wayanad continue to record the highest number of Shigella cases this month. June figures show 33 cases in Kozhikode, 18 in Wayanad, 14 in Malappuram, 13 in Thiruvananthapuram, nine in Thrissur, eight in Kollam, seven in Kannur, three each in Alappuzha and Idukki, and two in Ernakulam. A total of 186 Shigella infections have been reported in Kerala so far this year.
As part of disease prevention measures, the Health Department has launched a three-day statewide “Dry Day” campaign. Schools will observe the campaign on Friday, government offices on Saturday, and households on Sunday. The initiative is aimed at preventing the spread of Shigella, dengue fever, leptospirosis and other seasonal infectious diseases through intensified cleanliness and sanitation efforts. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced the programme following a review meeting with district collectors and medical officers earlier this week.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman